Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan acknowledged Thursday that the team attempted to upgrade its pass rush when it put in a waiver claim on Jason Babin.

Babin was cut by Philadelphia on Wednesday, with the Eagles mired in a seven-game losing streak and seeking to get younger. The 32-year-old defensive end ranked third in the NFL last season with 18 sacks but had only 5.5 when Andy Reid called to release him.

“Since he’s not with us, and on another football team, I’ll just let that go,” Shanahan said. “But we thought enough about him to put a claim in. He’s an excellent pass rusher.”

The Redskins’ pass rush has struggled since losing linebacker Brian Orakpo and defensive end Adam Carriker in Week 2. Through 11 games, the unit ranks 26th in the NFL with 20 sacks – 17 behind the league-leading Broncos.

The Bills and Jaguars also put in claims on Babin; he was awarded to Jacksonville.

While it’s unclear how Babin, who hasn’t played in a 3-4 scheme like Washington’s since 2005, Shanahan said Babin’s reputation was a major selling point for him.

“Everyone knows what he’s done,” Shanahan said. “I know a number of guys that know him quite well, so we put a claim on him. But we didn’t get him.”

All signs point to the Redskins starting Arie Kouandjio at left guard this weekend against the Eagles, and the coaching staff knows it's a big chance for the second-year man.

Incumbent starter Shawn Lauvao injured his groin last week against the Cardinals, and has not practiced all week. Assuming he doesn't play, this would mark Kouandjio's second start this season. He also got the start against the Browns in Week 4.

Washington coach Jay Gruden did not speak glowingly of Kouandjio's play against Cleveland, but it wasn't a negative review, either.

"He’s played one game, he played OK," the coach said. "He has another great opportunity for him. He’s waited his turn, done what’s asked of him. Practiced hard, played hard, and it’s a great opportunity.”

With center Spencer Long currently in concussion protocol and backup John Sullivan started to go in the middle of the Redskins offensive line, the group will have a number of new faces against the Eagles. The right side of the line, with guard Brandon Scherff and tackle Morgan Moses, will be the same as its been all year, though both of those players are nursing ankle injuries.

"We have confidence in the guys that if some of those guys that are backups need to step up and be ready to roll," offensive coordinator Sean McVay said.

At this stage of his career, Jackson is a well-known deep threat. While much of the 2016 season has been disappointing for Jackson, in back-to-back weeks, the vertical passing attack has worked. In Arizona last Sunday, Jackson only caught one pass, but it went for 59 yards. On Thanksgiving in Dallas, Jackson hauled in a 67-yard touchdown pass from Kirk Cousins as part of his season-high 118 receiving yards.

"What he brings to this football team, he brings something that not a lot of people can bring, and that’s obviously the speed and the big play ability," 'Skins head coach Jay Gruden said of Jackson.

The last two games moved Jackson's yards-per-catch average back in normal range with the rest of his career at 16.5. Halfway through this season, Jackson was averaging below 14 YPC, which would have been by far the worst of his career.

"A lot of people think that we haven’t utilized his speed quite like we should, but I think he has had a major impact on this football team," Gruden said. "His deep threat has an impact on the defense. It opens up areas for Jordan Reed and Jamison Crowder and the backs sometimes. He’s been a major influence for this football team in a good way."

Beyond just the big plays, the Eagles defense has given up 645 passing yards in their last two games. Cousins has historically played well in Philadelphia, and should be in good position to do the same this weekend.

And based on the Eagles' past six games, expect Jackson to have another big game at Lincoln Financial Field.